Why comparing Technorati to Google Blog Search is NOT valid

So the big hoopla across the Internet today is about Technorati's head Dave Sifry posting about their leadership in the blog search world. Others have followed it up with discussion about a potential sale of Technorati. And even more others are asking for how you use Technorati and Google blog search.

First let me say that I like Technorati overall. Their poor customer service issues from the past seem to be rectified and they are moving full steam ahead. Their link count numbers are starting to become more believable and obviously from all the charts and relationships they have built, they are growing. Congrats to the team for that. They should promote their link count service as the trackback replacement which I think is their "killer app".

Second, on TechCrunch, Dave notes in response to Technorati being on the block, "Thanks for the write-up. It’s remarkable how people love to read the tea leaves, and speculate on “mating dances” and the like. I’ll be very clear about it - Technorati isn’t for sale. We’re very happy doing what we’re doing, and we’ve been seeing significant growth. Can’t a guy just come out and crow a bit about things when times are good and there’s lots of positive changes afoot?"

Now I want to discuss why comparing Technorati vs. Google blog search is meaningless.  It's simple actually. Google blog search is not what Technorati should be compared to anymore. Google integrates blog searches into their main search and so therefore, if anything, the comparison should be between Google search vs. Technorati.

When I post stories on Cn, within minutes, they are in Google's index. For example, check out this search for TapeFailure. This was a post written last Friday and it's already listed in Google's main index (#3-4). It no longer takes days, weeks or months for a new post to be indexed. (and as a side note, this site is pretty well organically optimized so that might help boost us so quickly)

The majority of people searching for terms are looking for the summation of all types of results: "standard" web sites, blog, video, image, etc. When Robert Scoble asks about the difference between Technorati and Google Blog search - what he should ask in addition, is how many people just use the standard Google search to find what they are looking for.

Of course, the word "blog" is almost a worthless word these days. The definition has changed to suit the party's needs. Want to do whatever you want, whenever you want? You just call yourself a blog. Want free passes to a conference, then change your name to a journalist. Want a hot date.. oh wait that's for another site.

I don't fault Dave for his comparison, I just find it inaccurate. I hope that this makes sense to everyone in terms of my thoughts on this issue. Feel free to agree or disagree in the comments below. The plaintiff rests.